Reviews written by Clara Graham-Reid, Staff Reviewer

What a refreshing take on Christmas stories! Wexler has created something that feels both seasonal and timeless. Everett's journey from "imperfect" tree to triumphant christmas tree challenges conventional ideas about worth and beauty in ways that young children can understand. The story tackles some really important developmental concepts...

This classic gets a fresh, vibrant treatment from Kubler, and I have to say, it's become an absolute staple in our house! The familiar tune makes it instantly accessible - even my toddler can "sing" along, which is fantastic for phonological awareness and memory development. What I love...

What a delightfully unexpected friendship story! Empson has created something really special here - a book that challenges assumptions while celebrating the beauty of unlikely relationships. As someone who's always teaching my kids about looking beyond surface differences, this story resonates deeply. The visual storytelling is absolutely brilliant....

This book absolutely took my breath away - the artwork is simply stunning! Kim's illustrations have this dreamy, ethereal quality that perfectly captures the magic of a new day dawning. As someone who tries to cultivate mindfulness and appreciation for natural beauty in our home, this book hits all the...

As someone who's always on the lookout for quality non-fiction for little ones, this book is a real winner! The photography is absolutely gorgeous - crisp, engaging images that immediately grab attention. My toddler squeals with delight at every page turn, pointing and naming the different dogs with pure joy....

This one caught my attention because of its focus on imaginative play, which is absolutely crucial for healthy development but sometimes gets overlooked in the rush to build high achivers. Rodin really captures the magic of childhood imagination and the power of friendship in facing fears. The storyline...

Martinez-Neal strikes gold again with this follow-up to Alma's story! As a former librarian, I'm always thrilled when authors create series that allow children to develop deeper relationships with characters, and this book delivers exactly that kind of continuity my kids crave. The mystery element here is perfect...

What a delightful addition to Martinez-Neal's Alma series! This board book follows our beloved Alma through her morning routine at home, and it's absolutely perfect for toddlers and young preschoolers. The story shows Alma washing up, putting on her striped outfit and bow, eating breakfast with her family, and having...

This is one of those delightful picture books that perfectly captures the wonderful chaos that dogs can bring. Patricia Carlin has crafted a story with perfect comedic timing, but it's the illustrations that truly make this book special. The dogs are rendered with such distinctive personalities—their expressive faces and mischievous...

I'm always looking for books to introduce my children to other cultures in ways that are both engaging and developmentally appropriate. "Good Night, Zodiac Animals" achieves this beautifully with its gentle, dreamy approach to the lunar zodiac. The illustrations are absolutely charming – each animal is rendered in...

I was immediately drawn into the warm, vibrant world of "Love is Here with You: A Lullaby of Blessings." The illustrations by Nabi H. Ali are absolutely stunning – each page bursts with rich jewel tones and intricate details that capture both the magical and deeply personal aspects of this...

I cannot tell you how much fun family storytime was with Bob Shea's "Pizza for Birds"! If you loved "Chez Bob", you're going to get such a kick out of this follow-up. The story follows Bob, our favorite alligator restaurateur, as he deals with some serious competition from Ryan, the...

As a former library storytime leader, I'm always on the lookout for books that channel kids' natural energy in a positive, constructive way. "I Am Wriggly" absolutely nails it with its bouncing, rhythmic text that just begs to be read aloud with lots of movement and participation. ...

I have to say this wordless picture book from Freya Blackwood is one of the most stunning, captivating books I've come across in a long time. The detailed, emotive illustrations had my whole family enthralled. My six-month-old who was mesmerized by the colors and shapes, and my older son loved...

"Mr. Fox's Game of No!" transforms the simple concept of saying "no" into an engaging, interactive game that delights young readers while cleverly challenging their cognitive skills. The book's game show format, complete with tricky questions and playful consequences, creates an immediately engaging reading experience that begs to be shared....